KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Warriors have been given a boost ahead of their National Rugby League playoff against Parramatta by the return of hardman Ruben Wiki.
The former Kiwis captain was today included in the starting 13 by coach Ivan Cleary for the match in Auckland on Friday night.
He missed his team's last regular season game, a 24-20 win over Penrith last weekend, due to a rib injury picked up in training.
The inclusion of Wiki, 34, in the 13 to front against Parramatta is a major talking point, as is the selection of Patrick Ah Van to replace injured winger Manu Vatuvei.
Ah Van, 19, made the last of his 11 NRL appearances this season against Gold Coast on August 11, and Cleary turned to the teenager after Vatuvei's season was ended by leg injuries sustained in the win over Penrith.
"We're confident Ruben will be fine for Friday night and Patrick has had quite a lot of experience at NRL level, especially on the wing," Cleary said.
Cleary has named five players on the bench, with second rower Louis Anderson, who started against Penrith, joining regular interchange choices Wairangi Koopu, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki and George Gatis. One will be omitted on Friday.
Friday's game will represent the Warriors' eighth finals match in their history.
They have a record of four wins and three losses in seven games played in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Warriors: Wade McKinnon, Patrick Ah Van, Todd Byrne, Simon Mannering, Michael Crockett, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (captain), Ruben Wiki, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck.
Interchange: Wairangi Koopu, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Louis Anderson, George Gatis.
- NZPA
